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Taxpayer Rights

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It always seems like the IRS has the upper hand and that your rights as a taxpayer are limited. However, you do have important rights as a taxpayer, and it is important to understand those rights so that you can exercise them. Specifically, you have:
The Right to Privacy: the IRS cannot share the information that youprovide, unless specifically authorized by law and you have the right to question how the information that you provide will be used;
The Right to Be Treated Respectfully: IRS employees should be courteous and professional;
The Right to Representation: you have the right to have an attorney, an accountant or anyone else you choose to represent you;
The Right to Pay Only What You Owe in Taxes;
The Right to Get Help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service; and
The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision.
The purpose of the IRS system is to collect taxes - not to intimidate or take advantage of individuals. If you have any questions about your rights, or believe that your rights have been violated, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.

Disclaimer

The information on this page is meant to provide a general overview of the law. The laws in your state and/or city may deviate significantly from those described here. If you have specific questions related to your situation you should speak with a local attorney.